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Can a rental car cross into Argentina and Paraguay?
Marco Três newsroom · edited by Annie Grellmann
It can — with the rental company's authorization, a Green Card and 72h notice
A rental car can only cross the Foz do Iguaçu border with prior and express authorization from the rental company, accompanied by the Green Card (the Mercosur mandatory insurance) and the document that replaces the certificate of ownership. The service must be requested at least 72 business hours in advance and usually carries an extra fee.
The rule: not every rental company allows it, but in Foz do Iguaçu — a strategic border region — several agencies are equipped to issue the international paperwork.
What you need to carry in the car:
- Express authorization from the rental company to leave Brazil (a specific document; the contract alone is not enough)
- Green Card — mandatory insurance for vehicles circulating in Mercosur countries
- The document that replaces the vehicle's certificate of ownership
How to request it: ask for it at the time of booking or with a minimum of 72 business hours notice. Expect an extra fee and, at some rental companies, an additional deposit and a mileage limit in the neighboring country (some allow driving only up to ~25 km beyond the border — ask).
Is it worth it? For going to the Argentine park or the Duty Free, yes, if you already have a car. For Ciudad del Este, usually not — the bridge line by car is long and crossing on foot is a better solution.
Without authorization? Crossing is a breach of contract and leaves you without insurance on the other side — and inspectors ask for the papers.
Source: Rentcars · Foz rental companies · verified in Jun/2026
Frequently asked questions
- Can a rental car go to Argentina leaving from Foz?
- It can, with express authorization from the rental company, a Green Card (Mercosur insurance) and the vehicle's international paperwork — request it 72 business hours in advance.
- What is the Green Card?
- The mandatory insurance for vehicles to circulate in Mercosur countries (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay). Without it, the car cannot cross.
- Is it worth taking a rental car to Ciudad del Este?
- Usually not — the customs line by car is long. Parking near the Friendship Bridge and crossing on foot is usually faster.
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Content verified by the newsroom based on an official source: Locadoras / Carta Verde Mercosul. Last checked: 6/14/2026. Found something inaccurate? We fix it fast. How we work.